It's surprising that he would 'lend his name' to such a venture. [=that he would allow his name to be associated with such a venture]
A growing amount of evidence 'lends weight/credence/credibility' to their theory. [=makes their theory seem true or correct]
A bit of grated carrot 'lends' some color to the dish. = A bit of grated carrot 'lends' the dish some color.
(..) - Do you know Florence? - All that detail just from memory, sir? Memory, Agent Starling, is what I have instead of a view. Well, perhaps you'd care to lend us your view on this questionnaire, sir. Oh, no, no, no, no. You were doing fine. You had been courteous and receptive to courtesy. (..)1991 The Silence of the Lambs